Athleta’s new fabric takes aim at “pinch points” that hold you back

There’s nothing more frustrating or distracting during a workout than having to reach down and adjust your clothing—from tanks that slide down to your armpits mid-downward dog to waistbands that don’t ride with you when you’re tapping it back on a spin bike.

Enter Sculptek, a brand new fabric technology from Athleta, which is designed to solve your uncomfortable activewear woes.

“We are women athletes and active women who understand and design for a woman’s life in motion,” explains Sarah Carlson, vice president of design and innovation for Athleta. “Sculptek has allowed us to rethink how we can help her feel supported and strong.”

While the technology is advanced, the idea is simple: the fabric is responsive to the person who’s wearing it. In a world of activewear where every piece is sweat-wicking, breathable, and odor-resistant, Athleta worked to create a fabric that ups the ante, and it took them into the “soft compression” territory.

Instead of simply reacting to a stretch or movement, the seamless Sculptek pieces are made with zero “pinch points”—AKA that moment when you’re totally feeling that pigeon pose, only to get held back by your leggings’ seams.

The collection of seamless, mesh-filled activewear acts as a type of compression to leave you “feeling sculpted and strong” during even the most intense workouts, says the brand.

The thinner seamless fabrics you may have in your workout drawer don’t hold you in, Sculptek does, and it’s a much denser weight, even compared to a typical Spandex blend. So there’s probably zero chance of see-through issues.

The first products to launch are a minimalist black sports bra, structured tank, capris, and leggings, part of the “Stealth Collection,” although Athleta says there will be colors in the future. With the collection out now online and in-stores, anyone can try the sculpted and strong collection.

Scroll down to see a sampling of looks from Athleta’s new Sculptek collection.